Synthesis, structural and optical properties of a novel double perovskite for LED applications

Amidst growing concerns for environmental sustainability and green ecology, the utilization of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) for indoor plant cultivation has emerged as an influential area of research. Nonetheless, the growth of indoor plants is often constrained by inadequate lighting. Consequently, designing novel LEDs to create an appropriate light environment has emerged as a focal point in research. As a new type of photocatalytic material with excellent optical properties and light stability, double perovskite has broad application prospects in LEDs manufacturing. In this context, this article aims to synthesize a new Ca2Lu(Nb,Mn)O6 double perovskite and study its optical properties in LEDs lighting for indoor plant growth. A new Ca2Lu(Nb,Mn)O6 double perovskite were synthesized using the traditional high-temperature solid-phase method. The crystal structure and luminescence properties of the double perovskite were characterized in detail using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Rietveld refinement, excitation and emission spectra, decay lifetimes, quantum efficiency (QE), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra, temperature-dependent emission spectra, and the Commission International de l'Eclairage (CIE) color coordinates. The photoelectric properties of Ca2Lu(Nb,Mn)O6 and Ca2LuNbO6 double perovskite have been explored through first-principles investigations. The absorption spectra from 270 to 600 nm indicates that it can be effectively excited by ultraviolet (UV) light. The emission spectra show a strong broad red emission peak at 684 nm. The luminescence mechanism has been studied using the Tanabe-Sugano diagram. In addition, the internal UV emission ratio β1, crystal field strength Dq, and Racah parameters B and C were evaluated. The thermal stability of the sample was studied through emission spectra at heating temperatures from 303 to 573 K. The results indicate that Ca2Lu(Nb,Mn)O6 double perovskite provides a new solution for indoor plant growth.